Haverfordwest: A Riverside Town with a Rich History

Haverfordwest combines a long history with routes through parks and woods and along the river. First consider which of these interests best suits your trip, then choose Haverfordwest as your destination accordingly.

A riverside town with a historic heritage

The Western Cleddau flows through the centre of Haverfordwest, and the surviving ruins of Haverfordwest Castle are a defining feature of the riverside town. Haverfordwest has existed for almost 1,000 years. In Elizabethan times, it was the second-largest port in Wales. The town’s long history and former importance as a port sit alongside the river that still flows through it today.

At Haverfordwest Castle, the inner courtyard and curtain wall survive as well-preserved ruins. For planning your visit, the current access arrangements are important: the castle is currently closed to the public during restoration and is due to reopen in 2028. As visitor access may change, check the status before your visit.

Church and museum

St Mary's Church offers several points of interest for a cultural and historical stay. This Grade I listed building has substantial sections dating from the early 13th century, decorated arcades and a Caen stone chancel arch. Its architectural details make the church a distinctive part of Haverfordwest’s historical heritage.

Haverfordwest Town Museum has exhibitions about the Augustinian Priory. Its diverse collection of artefacts, prints and paintings illustrates the history of Haverfordwest over the past 900 years or so. Together, the exhibitions and the church offer different ways to explore local history: a collection and a subject from the town’s monastic past in one place, and a building with surviving features and distinctive architectural details in the other.

Market, walk and cycle ride

The Friday morning farmers’ market brings together locally produced goods and crafts. Offerings include cakes, cheese, seafood and handmade goods. If you would like to include the market in your travel plans, Friday morning is the time specified. The selection combines food with the work of local producers, offering a different focus from the historic attractions.

Fortune’s Frolic is a walking route through a park, along the river and through woodland to St Ismael’s Church in Uzmaston. This sequence of landscapes describes the route’s character: it leads from the park to the river, then through woodland to a named destination. No walking time or distance is specified, so you can use the route description to help with your planning.

Haverfordwest is also a point of reference for cyclists: National Cycle Route 4 passes through the town and runs all the way from London to Abergwaun (Fishguard). One specific ride on the route goes from Merlin’s Bridge along the former Great Western Railway trackbed to Neyland Marina. It is mostly off-road and is about 18 miles there and back. This distance is for the return ride between Merlin’s Bridge and Neyland Marina, not for the entire route from London to Fishguard.

Golf and travel options

Haverfordwest Golf Club is a parkland golf course next to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The club offers impressive views of the Preseli Hills. The course has 18 holes and measures 6,002 yards; par is 70 for men and 72 for women. The course’s character, views and specific details about its length and par offer different ways to explore your interest in golf.

Haverfordwest has a railway station with connections to the British rail network. Bus services from the town serve the whole of Pembrokeshire. If you are planning to travel by train or bus, check the relevant timetables for your travel date.

When choosing a hotel in Haverfordwest, it helps to decide first what you want from your stay: would you like to focus on the town’s history, include a walk or cycle ride, visit the golf course, or prioritise travel around the region? These different interests can help give your search for a hotel in Haverfordwest a clear direction.

Discover more destinations: Templeton, Clynderwen, Rosemarket, Fishguard, Cosheston, Crymych, Llanfyrnach, Ludchurch.

For an overview of the wider area: Pembrokeshire.